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Human table football, seated volleyball and cake decorating are some of the tasks young people in Portchester have been taking part in.

Yesterday, 780 youngsters registered to take part at the Access All Areas event near Portchester Castle.

They also had the chance to take part in archery lessons, and learn how to be a DJ.

Narinder Bains is the community safety manager for Fareham Borough Council.

She said: ‘We have worked with our police colleagues on anti-social behaviour issues.

‘It’s been good. The children are pleased.

‘We had a good turnout.’

The Access All Areas events are organised alongside community groups and the emergency services to try and get young people off the streets and help them steer clear of trouble and anti-social behaviour.

Narinder added: ‘Children always moan and say that they have got nothing to do.

‘Our facts show that anti-social behaviour goes on in areas where children congregate.

‘If we are providing something in these areas it’s a diversionary activity and gives them something else to do to focus their minds.’

Sarah Cox, 12, who lives in Bursledon and attends Portchester Community School, said: ‘I thought it was good.

‘I live about 20 minutes away so I have nothing to do.

‘This is good because we have got something to do instead of sitting around.’

Daisy-Mae Stanley, 13, from Portchester, added: ‘It’s better than it normally is here because usually it’s quiet. Instead of us all being bored we can come here and do lots of things.’